Today we’d like to introduce you to Hope Cowan.
Hi Hope, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I fell in love with the harp at an early age and started taking lessons when I was 8 years old. The harp is such a special instrument, and I loved everything about the way it looked and sounded! By the time I needed to decide what to study in college, I felt confident that my future was in music. Originally from Iowa and Wisconsin, I relocated to Houston to study music at the University of Houston, and then stayed in Houston to do my Master of Music at Rice University. During my years of study, I grew to love this city, and after graduating, I began to build a vibrant and diverse freelancing career here. At this point, I have a thriving private teaching studio of 40 harp students in Katy, and several regular chamber music ensembles, and I perform all over the Houston area as a soloist, orchestral musician, and event harpist. Also, I was recently appointed to the faculty at the University of Houston! I can’t wait to welcome harp students to the Moores School of Music, and help them discover all the opportunities that Houston has to offer.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I have been very blessed to have wonderful mentors and colleagues who have helped me build my career here. Houston is truly a wonderful place to be a musician, and that is thanks to the fantastic community of musicians here! However, a freelancing career is always full of ups and downs. I do struggle sometimes to balance all of the work I want to do (I love to perform!) with taking time off to enjoy the other things I enjoy.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
While I am a very active performer, teaching has always had a special place in my career. I teach harp students of all ages (kindergarten to retired adults), and I truly love getting to know each student and helping them meet their individual goals. I take a very personalized approach to teaching because I believe each student is unique. My students often surprise and inspire me, and I learn something new about teaching from them every day! I am especially excited to be starting as an Affiliate Artist in Harp at the University of Houston. This new role will allow me to mentor the next generation of professional harpists, and help them discover their own unique paths in music.
We love surprises, fun facts, and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
I think people may not realize the huge variety of music I play! I love playing for events where I get to perform classical, jazz, and pop music. I also really like to do contemporary classical music, and especially love collaborating with composers. Sometimes in one week, I might play R&B for a wedding, classic hymns for a church service, and an avant-garde electronic music performance. The variety keeps me on my toes!
Contact Info:
- Website:hopecowanharp.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hopecowanharp/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hopecowanharp
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFWmK3Vg-G2sEVC-q9tVA-A
- Other: https://g.page/r/CYxvK-KAnqrEEAE
Image Credits
Natalie Gaynor Photography
Mychelle Levan Photography
